January 8, 2019

REPORT

Notes from the Field: Environmental Investigation of a Multistate Salmonellosis Outbreak Linked to Live Backyard Poultry from a Mail-Order Hatchery - Michigan, 2018. On June 12, 2018, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services requested assistance from CDC to investigate risk factors for  Salmonella  infection linked to live backyard poultry originating at a mail-order hatchery in Michigan (hatchery A).  (MMWR, 1/4/19) 

NEWS

Report Details Most Common Violations at FDA-Regulated Food Facilities. Food standard violations at 874 facilities around the country in FY 2018 fell into one of five categories, according to a company that helps other businesses with FDA compliance. Registrar Corp. says the latest round of "Inspection Observation Data" from FDA shows a variety of food safety issues.  (Food Safety News, 1/4/19)

REPORT

Wound Botulism Outbreak Among Persons Who Use Black Tar Heroin - San Diego County, California, 2017-2018. During September 2017-April 2018, nine cases of wound botulism were reported in San Diego County, California; all patients reported injecting heroin, and seven used black tar heroin, including subcutaneous injection in six patients. (MMWR, 1/4/19) 

NEWS

Crucial Federal Food Safety Inspections, Recalls, Investigations Continue Despite Partial Shutdown of Government. Here's the situation regarding food safety on Day 13 of the partial government shutdown: As yet, there are no worries. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are operating because their budgets went through the regular appropriations process.  (Food Safety News, 1/3/19)

NEWS

HR 1660 - Global Health Innovation Act of 2017.   This bill directs the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to report to Congress, annually for four years, on the development and use of global health innovations in USAID programs, projects, and activities.  (Congress.gov, 1/3/19)

NEWS

DHHS Launches Voluntary Cybersecurity Practices for Health Industry. The US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) published a four-volume set of voluntary cybersecurity practices for the healthcare industry at the end of last year.  (Homeland Preparedness News, 1/3/19)

NEWS

Microneedles Technique May Mean Quicker Diagnoses of Major Illnesses.   When people are in the early stages of an undiagnosed disease, immediate tests that lead to treatment are the best first steps. But a blood draw-usually performed by a medical professional armed with an uncomfortably large needle-might not be quickest, least painful or most effective method, according to new research.  (Phys.Org, 1/3/19)

NEWS
Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense Gains New Expertise with Exit of Shalala. The Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense recently bid farewell to one of its founding members, former US Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala, the newly elected U.S. Representative for Florida, and welcomed former White House Homeland Security Advisor Lisa Monaco to fill those empty boots.  (Homeland Preparedness News, 1/2/19)

ANNOUNCEMENT
PUBLIC NOTICE MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FEMA-4407-DR-CA. The US Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice to the public of its intent to provide financial assistance to the State of California, local and Indian tribal governments, and private nonprofit organizations under major disaster declaration FEMA-4407-DR-CA.  (FEMA, 12/31/18)

ANNOUNCEMENT

Strategic National Stockpile Preparedness Course. The Strategic National Stockpile Preparedness Course (SNS) is a five-day course designed to give federal, state, and local officials information on how to best plan and prepare for a public health emergency and how to use and manage the Strategic National Stockpile in response to a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or technological accident.  (NACCHO, January 2019)

NEWS

Pentagon Seeks a List of Ethical Principles for Using AI in War. US defense officials have asked the Defense Innovation Board for a set of ethical principles in the use of artificial intelligence in warfare.   (Defense One, 1/4/19)

PRESS RELEASE

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Elected Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairwoman. Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) was elected to serve as the thirteenth Chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by the Democratic Caucus and confirmed on the House floor. Congresswoman Johnson is the first African-American and the first female Chair of the Science Committee.  (House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, 1/4/19)

NEWS

US Senate Confirms Kelvin Droegemeier to Lead White House Science Office. The US Senate confirmed Kelvin Droegemeier as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) last night. But this morning, the meteorologist remains at home in Norman, Oklahoma, weathering a winter storm and hoping to learn more about his status from his political bosses.  (Science, 1/3/19)

This Week's Hearings

There are no hearings scheduled this week.